Oral anticoagulants given to pregnant women can cause
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the adverse effects of oral anticoagulants on fetal development during pregnancy. Oral anticoagulants are a class of medications that prevent blood clot formation, but they can have unintended consequences on fetal health.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Warfarin, a common oral anticoagulant, crosses the placenta and can cause fetal warfarin syndrome, characterized by nasal hypoplasia, microcephaly, and limb abnormalities. Warfarin also increases the risk of fetal bleeding and teratogenic effects. The mechanism behind warfarin-induced fetal abnormalities involves the inhibition of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the fetus, leading to impaired clot formation and increased bleeding risk.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it does not accurately describe the adverse effects of oral anticoagulants on fetal development.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it does not specify the correct mechanism of action of oral anticoagulants in causing fetal abnormalities.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it does not accurately describe the clinical presentation of warfarin-induced fetal abnormalities.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that warfarin is usually avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal abnormalities, and alternative anticoagulants like heparin are often used instead.
**Correct Answer: A. Warfarin-induced fetal abnormalities.**